Naturalist & Bird Guide
Ankush Thakur
Bird Guide · Naturalist · Wildlife Photographer · Himachal Pradesh, India
A Himalayan bird guide, naturalist, and wildlife photographer with a deep passion for the birds and wildlife of the Western Himalayas — helping visitors connect with the landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife of Himachal Pradesh.
My Story
A Journey That Began With One Bird
I am a Himalayan bird guide, naturalist, and wildlife photographer based in Himachal Pradesh with a deep passion for the birds and wildlife of the Western Himalayas. My journey into birding began in 2012, when I photographed my first bird — the vibrant Verditer Flycatcher. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with birds and nature, and since then I have spent countless hours exploring the diverse habitats of the Himalayas.
Over the years, I have spent extensive time in forests, mountain valleys, and wetlands, observing birds in their natural environments to better understand their behaviour, habitats, and seasonal movements. These field experiences have helped me develop strong knowledge of Himalayan birdlife and the ecosystems they inhabit.
I regularly conduct guided birdwatching walks and personalized bird and nature tours around the Dharamshala and Kangra region, designed for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers — offering opportunities to observe birds while learning about their ecology, behaviour, and conservation.
I also organize and lead longer birding tours across Himachal Pradesh, covering diverse habitats ranging from temperate forests and river valleys to high-altitude cold desert landscapes in regions such as Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra.
Alongside birding tours, I lead specialized wildlife expeditions: Himalayan Brown Bear expeditions in Lahaul, and Snow Leopard tracking expeditions in Spiti — offering the chance to observe some of the most iconic predators of the Himalayan mountains.
I also collaborate with the Forest Department in bird surveys and biodiversity documentation, contributing to the monitoring and recording of bird species in the region.
Before focusing primarily on wildlife guiding, I built a professional career in the tourism industry, working with leading travel organizations where I managed international travel operations and wildlife tours for global guests. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Airlines, Tourism & Hospitality Management.
Based in
Himachal Pradesh, India
Languages
English, Hindi
Speciality
Birds & Himalayan Wildlife
Since
2012
What Ankush Guides
From relaxed birdwatching walks to rare high-altitude wildlife expeditions — every experience is designed around deep knowledge and genuine passion.
Guided Birdwatching Walks
Relaxed, interpretive walks designed for both beginners and experienced birders — exploring the rich birdlife around Dharamshala and Kangra Valley.
Personalized Bird & Nature Tours
Tailored one-on-one or small group tours focused on specific species, habitats, or photography opportunities across Himachal Pradesh.
Himalayan Bird Photography Tours
Photography-focused birding tours that combine prime birding spots with ideal light conditions for stunning images.
High-Altitude Birding Expeditions
Multi-day birding expeditions into Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, and Lahaul — covering cold desert specialties and high-altitude species.
Himalayan Brown Bear Expeditions
Rare wildlife encounters in Lahaul — tracking and observing the elusive Himalayan Brown Bear in its natural mountain habitat.
Snow Leopard Expeditions
Specialized tracking expeditions in Spiti Valley focused on the iconic Snow Leopard — one of the world's most elusive big cats.
Himachal Pradesh & Beyond
Operating across the diverse landscapes of Himachal Pradesh — from the subtropical Kangra Valley to the high-altitude cold deserts of Spiti.
Himachal Pradesh, India
A Decade in the Field
First Bird — The Verditer Flycatcher
My journey into birding began when I photographed my first bird — the vibrant Verditer Flycatcher. That single moment sparked a lifelong fascination with birds and the natural world.
Deep Field Immersion
Began spending extensive time in forests, mountain valleys, and wetlands of Himachal Pradesh — observing birds in their natural environments to understand behaviour, habitats, and seasonal movements.
Guiding & Forest Collaboration
Started conducting guided birdwatching walks and nature tours around the Dharamshala and Kangra region. Also began collaborating with the Forest Department in bird surveys and biodiversity documentation.
Himalayan Expeditions
Expanded into longer birding tours covering Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra — diverse habitats from temperate forests to high-altitude cold desert landscapes.
Snow Leopard & Brown Bear Expeditions
Launched specialized wildlife expeditions: Himalayan Brown Bear expeditions in Lahaul and Snow Leopard tracking expeditions in Spiti — among the rarest wildlife encounters in the Himalayas.
Tourism Career & Conservation Work
Combining natural history expertise with a professional background in international travel operations, continuing to contribute to ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts in the region.
Knowledge. Passion. Conservation.
Deep Himalayan Knowledge
Over a decade of field experience in Himachal's diverse habitats — from subtropical foothills to high-altitude cold deserts above 4,000m.
Photography-Led Vision
Trained wildlife photographer who understands light, behaviour, and timing. Every experience is curated with a photographer's eye.
Conservation & Documentation
Active collaborator with the Forest Department on bird surveys and biodiversity recording — contributing to Himalayan wildlife monitoring.
Professional Tourism Background
Bachelor's in Airlines, Tourism & Hospitality Management combined with hands-on experience managing international wildlife tours.
Plan Your Himalayan Adventure
Whether you're a first-time birdwatcher or chasing a Snow Leopard in Spiti — get in touch and let's design your perfect Himalayan experience.